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Vote by Mail (VBM) is a legal way for an eligible voter in Illinois to cast a ballot. As VBM has become a source of discussion in the political sphere, we wanted to give some factual information about how VBM works for Napervillians in both DuPage and Will Counties. Election Divisions and Elected Politicians from both political parties encourage VBM voting as a secure way to cast a ballot.  

What is Vote By Mail? 

Vote by mail, sometimes called absentee voting, is available to eligible Illinois voters who cannot be physically present during the early voting period or on Election Day.  

Who typically uses VBM?  

Seniors or individuals who lack the mobility to physically reach a polling location; individuals who will be away from their home address during the in-person voting window; expats and military members abroad who use a form of VBM, to name a few.  

Do I need to provide a reason for requesting a VBM ballot? 

No, Illinois does not require a reason for requesting a VBM ballot. If you are an eligible voter, you may request a VBM ballot. 

How can I request a VBM ballot? 

DuPage County- Click here for a complete list of request options 

Will County- Click here for a complete list of request options 

When should I request a VBM ballot? 

As soon as possible. Applications for VBM are typically available online 90 days prior to Election Day. VBM ballots are delivered via USPS. 

What is the difference between a Permanent VBM and a One-time VBM?  

Permanent VBM is a request to always receive a VBM ballot. You must make an active request to be placed on the permanent VBM list (and to be removed). At the time of the request, one must select either All Elections (which includes primaries) or General/Consolidated Only (which excludes primaries). You will also be asked what ballot type you would like- Democratic, Non-Partisan, or Republican.  

A One-time VBM request is exactly that: for a given election cycle, an eligible voter may request a VBM ballot for that cycle only. If it is a primary election, you will be asked what ballot type you would like- Democratic, Non-Partisan, or Republican. 

I don’t remember if I selected Permanent VBM. How can I check? 

Will County- Click here or call the Election Division at (815) 740-4615. 

DuPage County- Voters need to submit a new permanent VBM ballot. Click here or call the Election Division at (630) 407-5600. 

Are there times when permanent VBM is not a good choice? 

Yes. If you know you will be moving a number of times, or if you like to change your ballot type each election cycle. In these cases, electing a discreet, one-time VBM ballot each election cycle will ensure you get the ballot you want in a timely fashion.  

When is the first date VBM ballots be mailed to those who requested them?  

Typically, 40 days prior to Election Day.  

What is the last date I can request a VBM ballot? 

Typically, 5 days prior to Election Day 

Can I track my VBM ballot? 

Yes. We strongly encourage VBM voters to sign up for the ballot-tracking service.  

DuPage County- Click here to sign up. 

Will County- Click here to sign up  

How do I return my completed VBM ballot? 

Completed VBM ballots in both counties can be returned via the county-provided postage-paid USPS envelope or placed in an official county drop box.  

Additionally, voters can pay for third party companies like FedEx or UPS to deliver VBM ballots. 

DuPage County Address: DuPage County Clerk – Election Division, 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187 

Will County Address: Will County Clerk- Election Division, 302 N Chicago Street, Joliet IL 60432-9920. 

Where are the official drop boxes? 

DuPage County- Three drop boxes are available at 421 N County Farm Road, Wheaton. One in the parking lot, one inside the building past security, and lastly one in the election division office. Additionally, a drop box is available at all in-person polling sites during early voting and on Election Day.  

Will County- The closest VBM Drop Boxes for Napervillians are the 95th Street Library and the Fountaindale Library. Click here for a map of all drop box locations. There is a permanent drop box located at 302 North Chicago Street, Joliet. Please note that Will County Drop Boxes may close the day before Election Day. Click here and then search ‘drop boxes’ for the latest closing schedule.  

Do completed VBM ballots need to be postmarked by a specific date?  

Yes. VBM ballots MUST be postmarked on or before Election Day and received on or before the 14th day after Election Day to be counted. Voters should request a hand-stamped postmark at the Post Office to ensure the ballot meets eligibility criteria. (A voter cannot assume that the day they send a completed VBM ballot will be the official postmark date.) 

What happens once my VBM ballot arrives at the Election Division? 

Completed VBM ballots are stored under lock, with restricted access. The VBM outer envelope is scanned by Election Division employees. Election judges review the signature on the envelope against the signature(s) on file. Judges can challenge VBM ballots based on signature mismatches, receipt of an unsealed envelope, receipt of mismatched inner and outer envelopes as some examples. Approved VBM ballots are then processed by election judges and fed into tabulation machines. The stick drives from the tabulation machines are stored under lock and access is restricted. They are not uploaded to the final tabulation software until Election Day.  The tabulation machines are NOT connected to the internet.  

DuPage County conducts VBM processing and tabulation daily during the collection period. 

Will County conducts VBM processing and tabulation a few times during the collection period, typically on Sundays.  

What happens if my VBM ballot is challenged? 

You will be notified by a mailing detailing why your ballot was challenged and how to cure (fix) the ballot. This letter is sent out within 48 hours of the challenge.  

DuPage County- voters may cure their ballot in person at 421 N County Farm Road, Wheaton, or remotely using a Challenged Voter Affidavit (witnessed by two adults and notarized). The affidavit can be found here. 

Will County- voters must cure their ballot in person at 302 N Chicago Street. Joliet. 

Voters in both counties who have had their VBM ballot challenged can go to an Early Voting or Election Day polling site to vote in person, as they have not voted in this cycle.  

I requested and have received a VBM ballot, but now I want to vote in person. Can I?  

Yes. You must bring your VBM packet and sign some paperwork to vote a live ballot at an Early Voting or Election Day polling site. If you do not have the VBM packet, you will be asked to vote a provisional ballot.  

What are the most significant user issues with VBM? 

Not following instructions, having a mismatched signature and not accounting for USPS mailing time delays. A high number of challenges are from mismatched signatures. Voters should make sure to sign their VBM ballot using the signature the County has on file. 

Can I participate in or observe the processing of VBM ballots? 

Possibly. Opportunities to become an Election Judge are available in both counties:  

DuPage County- Click here for more information 

Will County- Click here for more information  

An opportunity to become a non-partisan Poll Watcher for the League of Women Voters of Naperville is available. Poll watchers must be members of LWVN and must attend training.  Contact lwvnaperville.voterservice@gmail.com for more information.  

I still have questions or concerns. Who can I contact? 

The best source for factual information about VBM voting is your Election Division. They are happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have.  

DuPage County- Election Division (630) 407-5600, Website 

Will County- Election Division (815) 740-4615, Website 

State Board of Elections (312) 814-6440, Website